I was kind of ready to move on and either let a young guy step in or a free agent next year. He's had good stretches, and he is great in the shootout. But he's old and injury prone. Nothing against the guy, but I would have rather had a one year extension at least.

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Not sure who/if will make the club out of Mursak/Emmerton next year, and Nyquist is probably looking at 1 more year in GR at least.

I really hope it is Mursak out of those two. Also, Nyquist has put up up 47 points in 46 games in his first AHL year. I wouldn't mind them trying him out as a regular next year, maybe stick him on the third or even second line to see if he can capture some secondary scoring. I know they don't bring up their young guys very quickly, but I'd be interested to see how it would work out.

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I would like Stuart to stay, but the signs point to him signing in California to be closer to his family.

I am not sure what it is about Stuart but I want him gone, badly. Everytime I see a turnover or a bad play in our zone I see Stuart was the one who made the mistake. I do not see him making good plays ever. I do not watch every game though so I may just be seeing his worst, but I want the dude gone.

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I am not sure what it is about Stuart but I want him gone, badly. Everytime I see a turnover or a bad play in our zone I see Stuart was the one who made the mistake. I do not see him making good plays ever. I do not watch every game though so I may just be seeing his worst, but I want the dude gone.

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Then you are hoping the Red Wings are a worse defensive team next year.

No, I am hoping they are better next year. Like I have my whole life. From the time back when my dad used to coach and when my older brothers used to try and school my on hockey because they played organized hockey a few years as kids. And back when I used to make goals out of 2x4'rs and old white bed sheets to play street hockey with my friends.

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Just letting you know I am not a casual fan. I grew up with hockey my whole life and still go to open skating every week. You may be right. We may be worse next year if we get rid of him. I, personally, do not think so. I am not a fan of Brad Stuart. Nothing against him personally or anything. And I am not saying he is the worst defenseman in the league. I would rather have someone else. We will have about 4 mil free with him not on the team. I am sure we can find someone to replace him. Just my opinion.

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Stuart would be a big loss. I love his play. He did have a bad Game 7 in '09 but overall I have no complaints. I am resigned to losing him but still hold out some hope that by some magic he will be back. He has managed to make his family life situation work out for 4 years while here, after all.

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Just letting you know I am not a casual fan. I grew up with hockey my whole life and still go to open skating every week. You may be right. We may be worse next year if we get rid of him. I, personally, do not think so. I am not a fan of Brad Stuart. Nothing against him personally or anything. And I am not saying he is the worst defenseman in the league. I would rather have someone else. We will have about 4 mil free with him not on the team. I am sure we can find someone to replace him. Just my opinion.

I won't go over my resume with you, but I can guarantee you I am no "casual fan" either.

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I have been to 5 Wings games this year with my sons. They play defense. For part of the game we will watch defensive zone coverage or how the defensemen contribute offensively, trying to pick out a thing or two done well or poorly for the purpose of a lesson. I found it much easier to do at a game than watching on TV because the camera follows the puck and sometimes the play is made away from the puck.

In any event, the games I have been at, Stuart was absolutely rock solid. I am talking about his positioning, holding pucks in the zone, making smart feeds, etc. Not flashy at all but absolutely rock solid. If anything I have become more sold on Brad Stuart watching him the last couple years in person, and I liked him a lot when he came over.

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Stuart's play the last two seasons has been great IMO, he has really settled into his role well on the Red Wings. After being such a high draft pick I think teams tried to push him too hard offensively, but now his positioning and defensive zone play is awesome to watch, and after Lidstrom I'd want Stuart out there for sure. Add to the fact that he is one of the harder hitters on the blue line for the Wings I'm going to miss him when he signs out West. A responsible defenseman, who can hit hard, and works hard to get his shot on net when he does shoot is a hard thing to replace, especially a character guy like Stuart.